Alexandria, Virginia, USA
September 23, 2010

As certain sectors of the seed industry ramp up for fall harvest and maybe a second planting, it’s important to take those small, but necessary steps to prevent accidents.

This week, Sept. 19-25, is National Farm Safety and Health Week. It is important to a business’s bottom line to promote safe and healthy practices in agricultural operations across the United States.

Many large companies often have a full-time person dedicated to coordinating safety and health efforts; however, there are steps that businesses of all sizes can take part in to help protect employees and provide a safer work experience.

Wayne Vassar of BCAP Seeds, LLC hosts a short safety seminar just prior to harvest season to remind employees and part time help about the dangers that exist.

“This is a fun time of the year, but we also have to be cautious and careful,” Vassar says. “There are a lot of moving parts on machinery that can be dangerous, particularly with combines and loading and unloading.

“After that, management has to be vigilant and on the look out for potential hazards or hazardous situations and heighten the awareness of those around.”

Vassar, American Seed Trade Association regional vice president for the North Central Region, reports that the southern area has started corn harvest, but weather is a big issue.

“Harvest potential is really good,” he says. “We’ve had lots of rain and thunderstorms moving through; last night we had 4 inches of rain.”

When referring to safety for those who produce certified seed, Sam Steel, a senior research associate in agricultural safety and health at Pennsylvania State University, emphasizes grain bin and roadway safety.

“Often people enter a grain bin to check the quality of the seed or see how much is in there,” Steel says. “A person should never go into a bin, unless there is some type of rescue harness attached and a person is standing by.”

It’s extremely important to exercise safety and care around storage areas, Steel says.

This is also the time of year where there is increased traffic on the roads, including farm equipment.

“Any equipment or machinery that is driven or towed on roadways moving less than 25 miles per hour should display the slow-moving vehicle emblem,” Steel reminds.

Lighting and marking with reflective tape on wagons and trailers also is important. Drivers should make sure mirrors are clean and well adjusted, he says.

Jimmy Maass, safety coordinator for Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance, says it’s imperative to avoid fatigue.

“During this time of year, growers get into what I call the go mode,” explains Maass. “They are working long hours and trying to get as much as possible done before the next rain. This can lead to fatigue, which can lead to accidents. If you feel tired stop and get some rest, even if it’s just a short nap.”

These are just a few small steps that can be taken to help provide and maintain safety in the workplace. Farming is important to this country. It always has been and always will be and the seed industry is a big part of that.

The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, the agricultural partner for the National Safety Council, has been serving the agricultural family and business community since 1997. For more safety tips and resources, visit http://www.necasag.org/index.php.
 

Website: http://www.amseed.org

Published: September 23, 2010